Grasscloth vs. Paperweave vs. Linen Wallpaper

Natural wallcoverings add warmth and depth that a flat print can't match. The three you will see most often are grasscloth, paperweave and linen. They are related, but each has its own look and its own strengths.

Grasscloth

True grasscloth is woven from natural plant fibers such as sisal, raffia, hemp, jute or papyrus, laminated to a paper or non-woven backing.

• Look: the most organic and varied of the three, with slubs, color shifts and visible seams.
• Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices and feature walls.
• Keep in mind: it is not washable and doesn't like moisture, and color varies from roll to roll.

Try Thibaut's Cape May Weave (raffia), Mackinac (raffia and papyrus) or Maroma (hemp), or the sisal, hemp and cattail weaves from Anna Elisabeth.

Paperweave

Paperweave is made from twisted strands of paper woven to look like natural fiber. It gives you the texture of grasscloth with a more even, tailored appearance.

• Look: crisp and consistent, often with a structured weave such as a basket, diamond or cane pattern.
• Best for: anyone who loves texture but prefers less variation and less visible seams.
• Keep in mind: like grasscloth, it is a natural-look material best kept away from splashes.

Try Paper Rattan, woven to look like traditional caning, or New England, a printed paperweave.

Linen

Linen wallcoverings are real linen fabric on a backing. The texture is fine and soft rather than coarse.

• Look: quiet and refined, with a subtle woven texture that reads almost like a painted wall up close.
• Best for: bedrooms, studies and any room where you want texture without busyness.
• Keep in mind: like other naturals, it is not meant for wet rooms.

Try Lake Shore in seven soft colors.

Quick comparison

• Most natural variation: grasscloth
• Most uniform texture: paperweave
• Finest, softest texture: linen
• For bathrooms and kitchens: none of the three; choose a washable or scrubbable vinyl instead

See them in person

Natural textures are hard to judge on a screen. Order samples of two or three favorites and look at them on your wall, in daylight and at night. Browse the full Grasscloth Collection to compare.